Developmental Psychology
UndergraduateLTU-PSY2DEV2025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 20 July 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Price from
- $1,164
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Developmental Psychology
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire an understanding of the major milestones and stages of human lifespan development and related key concepts to critically analyse cases and research in developmental psychology.
- Use library resources, databases, and peer-reviewed journal articles to investigate developmental research questions relevant to individuals at different stages of the lifespan.
- Evaluate and apply research methods to investigate a variety of developmental research questions relevant to individuals at different stages of the lifespan and from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Develop and apply knowledge of current developmental research findings to interpret data, generate hypotheses, and reach evidence-based conclusions.
- Major Milestones and Phases of Human Development Across the Lifespan
- Infant and Toddler Development
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Development from Emerging Adulthood to Older Age
- Investigate a Question Relevant to a Particular Phase of Development
- Consider Cultural, Familial, and Individual Influences on Development
- Development and Mental Health
In this subject you will learn about developmental psychology from the earliest period of prenatal development through infancy, childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood and older age. Through lectures, required reading, and online activities, you will be introduced to the key theories and research in developmental psychology, and will use these to think about how each aspect of development lays the foundation for the next phase and the importance of context for development. Online activities and quizzes, and tutorials will provide you with the opportunity to apply understanding of developmental psychology to research questions, case studies, and your own development. You will also contribute to and write up a research lab study report related to a key concept in developmental psychology.
This subject consists of self-guided online lessons and timetabled tutorial classes. It is typically taken by students in their second year.
- Mid-semester online multiple choice quiz (1 hour) (1000 words equivalent) (20%)
- End-semester online multiple choice test (1 hour) (1000 words equivalent) (20%)
- Written Laboratory Report (1,500-words) (40%)
- Individual 5-min oral presentation demonstrating understanding of Lab Report topic and methods (video submission) (750 words equivalent) (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The third university established in Victoria, La Trobe University has a diverse community of more than 38,000 students and staff. Its commitment to excellence in teaching and research prepares students to make a bold and positive impact in today's global community. La Trobe provides Open Universities Australia with its core tenets, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Learn more about La Trobe University.
Explore La Trobe courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 17
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 18
Entry requirements
Others
Prerequisites: Students must have completed 75 credit points.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Psychological Science
UndergraduateLAT-PYS-DEG
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
UndergraduateLAT-AHS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-ART-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-BUS-DEG
Bachelor of Information Technology
UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-CYS-DEG
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.